From Jason Derulo to Travis Scott: Meet Kenyans who could pass for international celebrities

A new trend is taking over social media in Kenya, with many locals claiming to be the lookalikes of international celebrities.

From Jason Derulo to Ruger, these Kenyans are gaining attention for their striking resemblances to famous stars.

Some are enjoying the spotlight, while others have become the subjects of online banter.

Kenya's Jason Derulo

One of the most talked-about doppelgängers is Remcy Don, known as the Kenyan Jason Derulo. Remcy didn’t choose this name; it was bestowed upon him by fans of the American singer who couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance.

Comfortable with the comparison, Remcy embraces the attention it brings. Speaking in an interview with TNX Africa, he said, “Looking like such an international star means I might get there one day too.”

Remcy is not just riding on his looks. He’s also a musician, primarily focusing on vernacular songs. Before discovering Jason Derulo, he didn’t have the means to record music, so he turned to business.

However, with his newfound fame, he’s ready to give music another shot. He has a few songs lined up, including collaborations with local artists like Simple Steve Boy and Reckless. Remcy is hopeful that his resemblance to Jason Derulo might just be the boost his music career needs.

Kenya’s Cardi B: Nduta Mwega

Nduta Mwega took the internet by storm in 2022 when she shared photos of herself looking remarkably like rap star Cardi B.

The 25-year-old is more than just a lookalike; she’s a dance enthusiast who hosts dance classes and has built a significant online presence, amassing over 120,000 followers on Instagram.

Her resemblance to Cardi B caught the attention of an American blog, Allhiphop.com, which featured her in an article titled "Rapper Cardi B has a Kenyan twin, sorta, kinda."

Nduta’s likeness to Cardi B has opened doors for her, and she continues to engage with her followers through her dance content.

Ruger wa Kayole

Mark Paul, better known as Ruger wa Kayole, is another Kenyan who has turned his resemblance to a celebrity into a viable career.

Ruger wa Kayole closely resembles Nigerian Afrobeats singer Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger. He has been in the entertainment industry for over 15 years as a content creator, dancer, and hypeman. However, his career only took off when he began impersonating Ruger.

Impersonation may be a crime, but Ruger wa Kayole has the blessing of the real Ruger. The Nigerian singer has publicly stated that he has no issue with the impersonator and even appreciates how Ruger wa Kayole is helping to promote his music in Kenya. "Man is just trying to hustle," Ruger said during an interview, acknowledging that the Kenyan artist is indirectly driving more streams to his songs.

Kenya’s Travis Scott: Bizzle w3bst3r

Bizzle w3bst3r is a fashion model, artist, and streetwear culture enthusiast who bears a striking resemblance to American rapper Travis Scott.

His signature hairstyle adds to the uncanny similarity, making him a standout figure in the Kenyan fashion scene.

Kenya’s Pop Smoke

Another Kenyan lookalike making waves is the Kenyan Pop Smoke, introduced by content creator Vitukozadifre.

In a video that has since gone viral, the Kenyan Pop Smoke can be seen rapping along to the late rapper’s hit song "Dior," while friends cheer him on. His hairstyle, which closely mirrors that of the real Pop Smoke, has made him an instant sensation.

However, in typical Kenyan fashion, social media users quickly coined amusing nicknames for him, including "Smoke Signal," "Pope wa Smokie," "Pop Jokes," and "Pop Corn."

Kenya’s Rihanna: Bad Gal Shee

Bad Gal Shee is another rising star in Kenya, known for her striking resemblance to global icon Rihanna.

Much like Rihanna, Bad Gal Shee is also a musician, though she’s primarily recognised for her cover songs. Her most famous cover is "Baby Riddim" by Fave, which has garnered her a significant following.

In addition to singing, Bad Gal Shee is a performer and a songwriter, steadily carving out her niche in the Kenyan music industry.

Kenya’s Burna Boy: Eyebrows Msanii

Eyebrows Msanii is yet another Kenyan who shares a striking resemblance with a famous celebrity—in this case, Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, also known as the African Giant.

Eyebrows Msanii is a singer in his own right and has even collaborated with the Kenyan Cardi B lookalike, Nduta Mwega.

His resemblance to Burna Boy has not only boosted his profile but also allowed him to connect with a broader audience.

Kenyan Diamond Platnumz: Difella Music

Adding to the list of Kenyan lookalikes is Difella Music, who bears a notable resemblance to Diamond Platnumz.

Identifying himself as a songwriter and performing artist, Difella Music recently made headlines after meeting with Remcy Don.

They shared photos and videos online, which impressed many Kenyans and sparked a buzz about their celebrity doppelgängers.